Royal Welsh Show to charge £20 at car park
Visitors to the Royal Welsh Show will be charged £20 to park after it was announced charges would be introduced for the first time in the event's 110-year history.
The parking charges will come into effect on the 500-space car park opposite to the showground, on the outskirts of Builth Wells, for this year's event, which will run from July 21 to 24. Disabled visitors will be charged £5.
Car parks surrounding the showground will continue to be free and a shuttle bus system will operate, according to organisers.
Show bosses say the free parking it has operated each year cost the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society £419,000 in 2013 alone, and they say similar events have long charged for parking.
The society said it has already had 800 disabled blue badge holders signed up to the scheme and a very small number of complaints have been received.
A spokesman said: "The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is one of the last major agricultural shows to provide free parking for people attending our three main events.
"At the summer show we operate a successful system of satellite car parks and a shuttle bus.
"The provision of this free parking facility cost the society £419,000 last year which equates to £5 per vehicle parked."
"This year the society has identified a car park right next to the showground that can be offered as premium parking for those willing to pay.
"The daily fee is £20, however, in recognition of the need to support members of the disabled community we have offered a 75 per cent discount and a charge of £5 per day."
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society was established originally as the Welsh National Agricultural Society in 1904. The annual Royal Welsh Show attracts thousands of visitors every year.
